Sylvia Robinson - founder of Sugarhill Records and one half of the| duo, Mickey & Sylvia, which recorded the hit single, "Love Is Strange," in 1957 - is filing a $15 million lawsuit against Blaze Magazine.

Robinson is claiming libel and defamation regarding a remark in their February issue, in an article naming her the 10th record exec of all time, stating that she "founded the first rap label, Sugarhill Records. Launched the careers of Sugar Hill Gang, Melle Mel, Furious Five and many others [and] jerked many artists - but hey, that's what execs do."

Robinson told the New York Daily News that she "didn't 'jerk' anybody. It is an untrue statement, and I don't want people believing that about me. I was always honest in my dealings with artists." She went on to explain that she was suing for $15 million, as opposed to seeking a retraction, because, years ago, her mother-in-law told her that, "a spoken word is like a shot owl. You can never take it back. And today, whatever people read they believe."

Robinson sold Sugarhill Records to Rhino in 1994, and they've been repackaging and rereleasing the same two-dozen-or-so songs ever since. - Werner